Mets near deal for Igarashi

The Mets are nearing a deal for righthanded Japanese reliever Ryota Igarashi. The deal is believed to be for two years.

Igarashi, 30, was 3-2 with a 3.19 ERA for the Yakult Swallows last year where he primarily pitched in a set-up role. He has been in the Japanese Central League with the Swallows since 1999. Igarashi would be a candidate to become the Mets' set-up man in front of Francisco Rodriguez. The New York Times first reported a deal was at hand.

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